Mumbai is set to host a landmark cultural event this December as Aarey Forest prepares for its first full-scale open air music festival. Scheduled from December 12 to 14, 2025, the three-day Aarey Music Festival will take place at the amphitheatre in Unit 5 of Aarey Milk Colony. The festival aims to transform public perception of the forest, presenting it not merely as contested urban land, but as a living cultural space shaped by generations of communities.
The festival’s programming emphasises a blend of music, dance, and participatory workshops. Traditional instruments such as the Warli tarpa and South Indian nadaswaram will feature in live sessions, while dance performances will include Mohiniattam and the Warli tarpa dance. The organisers have also planned workshops in mural painting, origami, and board games, encouraging visitors to engage creatively with the venue. Walls of the amphitheatre will serve as a living canvas, combining urban motifs with indigenous art, turning the forest space into an evolving gallery. Organisers of the event include environmental volunteers, local artists, and members of the Save Aarey movement, alongside residents of the forest’s villages. Entry is free with a “donate as you wish” model, and nearly Rs 3.5 lakh has already been raised to support the festival. To manage crowding and preserve the natural setting, registrations may be limited. A co-organiser explained that the initiative is designed to foster community by connecting citizens with nature and heritage.
The timing of the festival carries symbolic significance. Following recent controversies over tree felling and urban development in Aarey, the festival represents a subtle act of stewardship and cultural assertion. For local residents, the forest is more than green space—it is a source of sustenance, livelihood, and biodiversity. Hosting the festival within Aarey emphasises the value of ecological conservation alongside cultural continuity. While the amphitheatre has previously hosted smaller performances, this is the first multi-day festival of this scale, signalling a new chapter in Aarey’s cultural landscape. By blending artistic expression, community engagement, and environmental awareness, organisers hope attendees will leave with a deeper understanding of the forest’s significance. Experts in urban planning and cultural conservation note that such events can enhance public appreciation of urban green spaces while promoting sustainable recreational use.
As Mumbai navigates pressures of rapid urbanisation, the festival demonstrates how city residents can interact with natural heritage in meaningful ways. Aarey’s inaugural music festival not only offers entertainment but also encourages reflection on the forest’s ecological and cultural importance, reinforcing the potential for inclusive and sustainable urban experiences.
Mumbai Aarey Forest Hosts First Open Air Music Festival December 2025